loxoscelism
Sign in to saveLoxoscelism () is a condition occasionally produced by the bite of the recluse spiders (genus Loxosceles). The area becomes dusky and a shallow open sore forms as the skin around the bite dies (necrosis). By 2006, it was the only proven type of necrotic arachnidism in humans. While there is no known therapy effective for loxoscelism, there has been research on antibiotics, surgical timing, hyperbaric oxygen, potential antivenoms and vaccines. Because of the number of diseases that may mimic loxoscelism, it is frequently misdiagnosed by physicians.
Key facts
- Medical condition (new).name
- Loxoscelism
- Medical condition (new).image
- Necrotic leg wound.png
- Medical condition (new).alt
- Dermonecrosis, a hallmark of loxoscelism
via Wikipedia infobox
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Article
20 sectionsContents
- Pathophysiology
- Loxosceles toxins
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Anti-venoms
- Surgical treatment
- Species implicated
- ''Loxosceles''
- ''Loxosceles reclusa'' (Brown recluse spider)
- ''Loxosceles laeta'' (Chilean recluse spider)
- ''Loxosceles deserta'' (Desert recluse)
- Other genera
- ''Lampona cylindrata'' (White-tailed spider)
- ''Cheiracanthium inclusum'' (Yellow sac spider)
- ''Eratigena agrestis'' (Hobo spider)
- ''Lycosa'' spp (Wolf spiders)
- See also
- Explanatory notes
- References
- External links
Loxoscelism () is a condition occasionally produced by the bite of the recluse spiders (genus Loxosceles). The area becomes dusky and a shallow open sore forms as the skin around the bite dies (necrosis). By 2006, it was the only proven type of necrotic arachnidism in humans. While there is no known therapy effective for loxoscelism, there has been research on antibiotics, surgical timing, hyperbaric oxygen, potential antivenoms and vaccines. Because of the number of diseases that may mimic loxoscelism, it is frequently misdiagnosed by physicians.
Loxoscelism was first described in the United States in 1879 in Tennessee. Although there are up to 13 different Loxosceles species in North America (11 native and two non-native), Loxosceles reclusa, also known as the Brown Recluse, Fiddleback, or Violin spider, is the species most often involved in serious envenomation. L. reclusa has a limited habitat that includes the Southeast United States. In South America, L. laeta, L. intermedia (found in Brazil and Argentina), and L. gaucho (Brazil) are the three species most often reported to cause necrotic bites.